Student Devices
Each student attending Pius X has been issued an iPad for educational use. Thanks to the incredible generosity of key benefactors and grants we’ve received, students and teachers have enjoyed access to technology to support education for over two decades.
The goal of this initiative is to provide even greater access to technology and digital learning practices, including allowing teachers to more easily use formative assessments to meet the learning needs of students. The portability of the devices can help students track assignments, use digital learning materials to reinforce classroom learning, create digital projects, and more.
This initiative is not considered a replacement for all printed materials but should reduce the printing of handouts and worksheets. As with any new technology, the use of these iPads will grow with time and practice.
Additional details
- All new devices come with three years of Apple Care.
- Upgrades to our infrastructure, the initial devices and other expenses related to this rollout were purchased with grant funds.
- Devices will come with 24/7 web filtering.
New in 2024-25
Two years ago Pius introduced a one-to-one iPad program. The use of the iPads in our classrooms has grown over that time. Many of our teachers use iPads for student note-taking mainly through guided notes, this next year all teachers will be using iPads for student note-taking. Making this change will help us to cut down on the amount of printing and paper used in our building.
For students to take notes on their iPad they will need an iPad pencil. Below are several good options students can purchase for use at reasonable prices. Students do not need to purchase an Apple Pencil and there are good options besides the ones listed below. If you find a pencil option not on this list make sure it is compatible with iPads 7 through 10 before purchasing.
If you need assistance with purchasing a pencil, due to the cost please let me know.
- Jamjake Stylus – There are a lot of similar styli for sale on Amazon that do everything or almost everything an Apple Pencil does, but at a much lower price (under $20). The Jamjake stylus is the one we bought at Pius for testing in classrooms last year. It does everything a student will need to do and is better in some ways than an Apple Pencil. And it comes with some spare tips.
- Adonit is a company that makes a range of Apple Pencil alternatives, including one similar to the Jamjake stylus above. If you choose one of these, make sure it is compatible with iPad versions 7 through 10. Some higher-end styli might not be.
- The original Apple Pencil can be found for $79 online. If you go the Apple Pencil route, make sure you buy the original Apple Pencil, not the Apple Pencil Pro or the USB C Apple Pencil. Those aren’t supported by the iPads we use. There are knock-offs of the Apple Pencil available for about $20, but if you want to go that route, you’d be better served by the Jamjake model above.
Troubleshooting
If your student is experiencing issues with apps or accessing the internet through Safari, they may have to change some settings on their IPad.
If your student is not able to access websites in Safari follow these directions. This has to be done on a non-Pius network.
VPN Instructions
- Open the Settings App
- Directly below Bluetooth, switch the toggle beside VPN
- A prompt should pop up with the student’s hyphenated firstname-lastname as the username, the password is the one handed to the student
- Click OK
- They may need to clear Safari data
- In settings, on the left side, scroll until you find Safari, and click on it
- Scroll until you see, in blue, “Clear History and Website Data” and click on it
Click the red “Clear”
Students are not able to download or request apps on their own. If an app a teacher has requested has not loaded onto the IPad, follow these directions.
Instructions for Downloading Apps for Classes (students can only download apps teachers have requested)
Under the Jamf Student App (Purple with a book and a cursor)
- Click “Back” in the top left corner
- Click on “My Resources”
- From here, you can download any app that a teacher has requested for your class
Q&A about student devices
Are teachers required to use iPads in their classrooms?
No, there won’t be any iPad use requirements for teachers. However, teachers are highly encouraged to try using iPads in lessons to explore using them. Idea sharing will continue to be helpful in developing sound methods for technology-enhanced learning opportunities. Teachers have access to additional iPad training, and will be sharing ideas and tips with each other throughout the school year.
Is content filtering being used on iPads?
Yes. The iPads are filtered the same way other school technology devices are filtered for content. The content filtering applies no matter where the device is located: at home, at school, or at another location. Students’ iPad usage are a part of the school’s Computer Network and Internet Acceptable Use Policy.
Do the iPads have keyboards or protective cases?
Keyboards are not be provided. The iPads do not replace all computer needs for students. The school has mobile laptop labs (also known as computers-on-wheels or COWs) and computer labs to use for keyboarding-related activities (e.g. writing papers) and projects that require specific computer software. The iPads are not meant to replace our laptops or computer labs, but we might need those laptops and labs less often due to iPads being a good fit for some projects.
Students will be required to use the iPad protective case that is provided. Diocesan schools that have already implemented 1:1 iPads recommend a protective case that was highly effective in reducing accidental damage to students’ devices.
How do students charge their iPads?
Students are expected to bring their devices fully charged to school each day. To assist with periodic additional charging needs, charging stations are provided for each classroom that allows some students to charge their devices when not in use.
Are students able to download apps to their school-issued iPad?
No. Students are not be able to download apps to the iPad. Teachers are able to add apps relating to their courses to students’ devices. A member of the Pius X technology team oversees iPads.
